Flu season is just around the corner, but before going out to get a flu shot, people should be sure to note some changes coming this year.
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department will no longer provide flu shots for people who are covered by insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or other third-party payers or for those who do not fall at or below 185 percent of the U.S. poverty guidelines, according to a news release.
This change in patient requirements is the result of the increased availability of flu shots during the past few years.
Flu shots have become more available in common places like grocery stores and for a reasonable price, said Bruce Dart, health director of the department.
Last year, the health department provided flu shots for more than 5,000 people. The decreased number of people coming to the health department required it to send back 5,000 doses of the flu vaccine, Dart said.
This year, the health department ordered 1,500 doses of the vaccine to issue.
Vaccines usually begin in October and are available through January.
"We're sending the message out now so that the dwindling number of people can know and go somewhere else if they need to," said Dart.
This change shouldn't really affect students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said Jen Snyder, marketing coordinator at University Health Center.
Availability of flu shots for students, faculty and staff members hasn't changed at UHC. Shots are offered throughout the flu season, with first priority going to students, Snyder said.
Information about the flu virus and ways to avoid getting it are available on the UHC Web site.
The health department will set up a flu hotline that will provide more information about flu vaccines and their availability.
mimiabebe@dailynebraskan.com
